Administrative Staff

Beryl P. Chernov

Executive Director
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Beryl Chernov was appointed Executive Director of the Park Avenue Synagogue in July 2002. Previously, he served as the Temple Administrator for North Shore Synagogue, a large Reform congregation on Long Island. Beryl was also the founding director of the Weinberger Jewish Family Center at the Sid Jacobson JCC (Roslyn, N.Y.) and the Director of Education and Youth Programming at the Fair Lawn Jewish Center (Fair Lawn, N.J.).

Beryl received his Bachelor’s degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary in Jewish Philosophy and a Master’s degree in School Administration from Hofstra University.

Beryl also happily serves as a member of the Board of Governors of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE), and currently chairs its Professional Surveys Committee. He also serves as the President of the Metropolitan Association of Synagogue Executives (MetroASE), is a member of the Coordinating Council for UJA/Federation Synergy, and the President's Parent Council of Goucher College.

Beryl and his lovely wife, Rima, are the proud parents of Sara, Ben, and Abby.

Jonathan Schlesinger

Chief Financial Officer
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Jonathan Schlesinger joined Park Avenue Synagogue as Controller in November, 2003, and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2007. Jonathan has worked in not for profit accounting for over 17 years, including the role of Controller at amfAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research) and Staff Accountant at God's Love We Deliver. During this time Jonathan served on Microsoft’s product advisory team in their development of E-enterprise accounting software, and made a presentation on “outside the box” software solutions at the annual user group meeting. Prior to entering the world of not for profit accounting, Jonathan had the unparalleled joy to work with his father and brothers in a family owned retail enterprise. After graduating from Middlebury College with a BA in American Studies, Jonathan lived in Washington, DC and worked for an EPA contractor managing the contract laboratory program of the Superfund environmental clean-up program.

In addition to his solid background with not for profit membership organizations, Jonathan brings to his role at Park Avenue Synagogue a philosophy of customer service, the rewards of hard work, personal integrity, and constant evaluation and innovation. Jonathan continues to learn about synagogue life and Judaism, and always strives to align PAS' business needs with these values and customs.

John Davis

Director of Facilities
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John Davis was hired as our Director of Facilities in December, 2009. John brings with him the philosophy that with a team approach, hard work, patience, a commitment to excellence and integrity, we will achieve the success the Park Avenue Synagogue community deserves . John provides high-level oversight and direction for the Facilities Department and promotes innovation by advancing training and standards required for our staff.

John has over 20 years in various fields consisting of managing in Hospitality, Cultural Institution, Realty and Commercial Buildings, including positions at the Museum of the City of New York, the Broadway Millenium Hotel, and the Lladro building on 57th Street. John also brings forth a practical and technical educational background in Fire Protection, Mechanical Engineering, Safety and Regulatory Code. Providing great vision and experience for Park Avenue Synagogue’s future.

Sam Rosenberg

Office Manager
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Sam Rosenberg joined Park Avenue Synagogue as Event Coordinator in August, 2010. Previously, Sam served for four years in the Operations and Events Department of Central Synagogue, where he coordinated activities and maintained the organizational calendar.

Sam grew up in Cherry Hill, NJ, where he was active in his high school drama department. He came to New York City in 2001 to attend NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. He earned his BFA in Drama in 2005 and worked in theater fulltime for a year before taking the position at Central Synagogue.

Sam is excited to be at the center of activity in the PAS Main Office and enjoys helping staff and congregants "stage" the programs, classes, and other events that fill the congregational calendar. Away from his desk, Sam still enjoys acting and singing and is a loyal fan of numerous sports teams.

Mark Fraier

Ritual Director
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Mark Fraier has been the Ritual Director at Park Avenue Synagogue since August of 2003. Previous to his appointment, he served as Executive Director of Cejwin Camps which was one of the foremost Jewish Cultural camps in America. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Jewish Camps, an adjunct of UJA Federation. Mark taught science for 34 years in the NYC Department of Education. He estimates that he has touched the lives of over 20,000 people while serving in these various positions. Mr. Fraier received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration From Baruch College and also did his post graduate studies at Baruch.

Since arriving at Park Avenue Synagogue, Mark has worked with hundreds of our members at various life cycle events. If your family is experiencing a B'nei Mitzvah, a baby naming, an ufruf, a wedding or having an aliyah for your birthday, anniversary or a yarhzeit, Mark will aid you in the Jewish rituals involved as well as the logistics required. Additionally, he supervises all holiday services that take place in our beautiful Sanctuary, as well as other special events.